Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Touro Park, 5 Touro Park St W, Newport, RI 02840
Free and open to the public. Rain or Shine event.
Presented in celebration of the Newport–Shimoda Sister City relationship
This year's festival is made possible by grants from Discover Newport, Japan Foundation, New York,
Toray Plastics (America), and BankNewport.
This program is generously supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston
The Japan–America Society of Southern New England® (JASNE) is thrilled to present a vibrant day of performances and demonstrations celebrating the beauty, artistry, and friendship shared between Japan and the United States. From the thunder of taiko drums to the elegance of swordsmanship and the colorful fun of pop culture, the festival brings centuries of tradition and innovation to life. Please come and enjoy this showcase of cultural exchange, community spirit, and creativity for all ages!
2026 Performance and Demonstration Schedule is still under construction
[Please see the tentative schedule below for an idea of what to expect]
Time Event / Group Description
10:00 AM Festival Grounds Open
Welcome to Touro Park! Explore our artisan market, cultural tents, and food trucks.
10:30 AM Opening Ceremony & Sister City Tribute
An inspiring festival kickoff featuring Gendo Taiko, followed by official remarks from Newport civic leaders and visiting Shimoda delegates, honoring our Sister City bond with a wreath-laying at the Commodore Perry Statue.
11:00 AM ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
Experience the commanding power, precision, and synchronized grace of New England’s premier traditional taiko ensemble.
11:45 AM Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō of Rhode Island
A captivating live showcase of traditional swordsmanship and martial focus, demonstrating centuries-old forms of focus, posture, and control.
12:00 PM Gendo Taiko
Youthful, inventive taiko drumming featuring students from Brown University and RISD, transforming traditional rhythms into an interactive, high-energy performance.
12:30 PM Cosplay Parade & Costume Showcase
A joyful, family-friendly runway where creativity shines! Show off your favorite costumes inspired by anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture—kids, parents, and fans of all ages welcome.
12:45 PM OKAZE: Providence J-Pop Dance Crew
Get ready to move with Rhode Island’s premier J-Pop sensation, featuring bright choreography and upbeat rhythms from modern Japanese youth culture.
1:00 PM ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
A second feature set filling the park with thunderous, synchronized drumming and vibrant stage energy.
1:45 PM Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō Showcase
Witness the disciplined beauty of Iaido and Kenpō—the fluid, graceful art of Japanese swordsmanship in motion.
2:15 PM OKAZE Dance Performance
Round two with OKAZE! Fresh choreography and infectious pop energy—a must-see for dance lovers.
2:30 PM ShinDaiko Main Stage
A breathtaking final set from ShinDaiko, building to a dramatic crescendo of rhythm and movement that embodies the spirit of the festival.
3:15 PM Gendo Taiko
Exuberant, audience-engaging rhythms returning to unite performers and spectators in a loud, joyous celebration.
3:30 PM OKAZE Festival Finale
The final dance performance of the day bursts with color, sound, and heart—a playful tribute to modern pop culture that connects new generations.
Ongoing Cultural Touchpoints (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Step into our interactive pavilion tents where attendees of all ages can play, create, and experience
Japanese art forms firsthand with guidance from local instructors and artisans:
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Martial Arts Interactive Workshop: Step onto the mat for beginner-friendly movement workshops! Guided by experienced senseis, participants of all ages will learn basic postures, etiquette, self-defense principles, and form from traditional Japanese martial traditions in an encouraging, safe environment.
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Traditional Shimoda Kite-Making (11:00-12:00): Craft and build your own Japanese kite! Led by visiting educators and students from Shimoda, Japan, this hands-on workshop introduces traditional kite artistry and mechanics.
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Kimono & Yukata Photo Nook: Dress up and capture a memory! Try on a beautiful traditional Japanese kimono or light, breezy summer yukata, and pose for an unforgettable family photograph.
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Shodō Calligraphy Name Tags: Watch the traditional art of Shodō (Japanese calligraphy) in action and receive a custom keepsake tag featuring your name translated into classic Japanese brush script.
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Origami Crafting Station: Transform paper into art! Learn how to fold colorful sheets into three-dimensional animals, cranes, and geometric shapes with easy, step-by-step guidance.
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Japan-America Early History and Sister City Tent: Explore the historical roots of Newport's connection to Japan with educational displays, historical artifacts, a preview of the upcoming "Perry Trail"project, and special guests from the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society in Fairhaven, MA, the Captain John Kendrick Maritime Museum in Wareham, MA, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and from the Five College Center for East Asian Studies (FCCEAS) In Amherst, MA.
Enjoy Asian-inspired Food Booths and Trucks
You've asked for it—and we're bringing you amazing Japanese/Asian food choices! Whether you're craving comfort food or something completely new, you won't leave Touro Park hungry.
First up is Yagi Noodles (operating a food cart from their downtown location). Forget traditional ramen! The menu is boldly American and inspired by Chinese and Japanese comfort foods. Using traditional techniques and the freshest seasonal ingredients, Yagi is famous for serving next-level noodles, all handmade from freshly milled local wheat.
Then, make your way to the Kroffle Kreations truck, the Newport Sushi Co booth, and/or the Boru Noodles booth. These local favorites bring the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to Newport designed to warm your soul and keep you energized for the festival! All the food is delicious!!!
Vendor Callout: Japan–America Friendship Festival 2026
We’re looking for local New England food trucks, artisans, jewelers, and craft makers to join our autumn celebration! We welcome Japanese/Asian-inspired foods, crafts, or creators and all local vendors featuring their standard merchandise along with a special themed piece celebrating Japan-US friendship and culture.
Apply today at: Japan-America Friendship Festival Food Trucks & Vendors!
Festival Opening Celebration
Join us at the official opening of the Japan-America Friendship Festival at 10:00 AM! We begin with taiko drumming and brief remarks by Newport City officials and delegates from Shimoda followed by a special wreath-laying at the Commodore Perry Statue in Touro Park. This celebration honors the historic bond between Newport and Shimoda, which traces back to Newport native Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his 1854 expedition to Japan. His arrival opened up the ports of Japan, including the city of Shimoda, to foreign trade, forging a lasting connection that continues today in the sister city relationship. Come celebrate this enduring friendship as we kick off the festival!
ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
Witness the thunderous, rhythmic art of ShinDaiko, a contemporary taiko ensemble TBD. It’s a powerful blend of ancient tradition and modern creative expression.
Based in the Greater Boston area, ShinDaiko weaves together the raw intensity of Japanese drums with diverse musical influences from jazz, classical music, and martial arts.
Join us to feel the passion and power of taiko!
Cosplay Parade & Family Costume Contest (TBD)
Unleash your family's creativity at the spirited Cosplay Parade at 12:30 PM! Attendees of all ages, including pets in costume, are invited to showcase their imaginative attire inspired by Japanese animation, manga, and pop culture. This is a marvelous opportunity for families to bond through shared passion and artistry. To enter, assemble under the large tent next to the Commodore Perry Statue. Simple prizes will be awarded across four distinct categories celebrating creativity, including Best Family/Group Theme, Most Creative Pet Costume, Most Inspired Anime/Manga Look, and the Fan's Choice.